Judge Judy to return $50,000 china plates to producer's ex-wife

Judge Judy Sheindlin has decided to return the expensive china set that previously belonged to her producer's ex-wife Patric Jones.

The TV judge was hit with a lawsuit after Jones claimed that her ex-husband Randall Douthit "conspired with Judge Judy in order to cut her out of the sale of their community property", reports E! News.

Jones also claimed that she didn't agree for her Christofle Mary Bone China plates to go on sale. The homeware was bought by Sheindlin from Douthit for $50,000 (£33,000). The retail price for the set, according to Jones, is $514,421.14 ($340,360.69).

Sheindlin said in a statement: "This very unpleasant lady doesn't give a hoot about dishes. She cares about pressuring her ex-husband, and the way to do that is to attempt to embarrass me."

"As Ms Jones and her attorney assert, the items are community property, they are being packed and returned to Mr Douthit and she can proceed with her claim in divorce court."

In 2010, Sheindlin announced that she will retire this year, ending her long-running TV court show. However, CBS announced in 2011 that Judge Judy's contract has been renewed until the 2014-15 television season.